Storage and dispensing container with holes for products

Abstract

A container for storing a product including a lid is disclosed. A flexible pouch has a bottom, a top, and sides, and includes a plurality of sheets located within the pouch, and the pouch further has a cross direction dimension extending in a cross direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch cross direction dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing aperture in the top having a width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each extend from a top edge to a bottom edge, and a length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, and wherein at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Consumer products such as disposable wipes are typically sold in packaging designed for storing and dispensing the product. Wipes are made from a variety of materials and can be used dry or wet. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Disposable wet wipes are typically sold in rigid drums or flexible pouches that include a dispensing hole through which the wipes are extracted from the inside of the drum or pouch. This packaging typically provides a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure they do not become soiled or too dry. Removable and resealable flaps or caps often cover the dispensing hole so that the drum or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment when not dispensing wipes, preventing moisture loss from the multiple wet wipes contained within.

[0002] The mechanisms used to open the flaps or covers vary. In a common "push-button" design, the cover is held closed by a latching mechanism. In the closed position, a compression spring is tensioned against the lower surface of the cover. When the open button is pressed, the latching mechanism releases the cover, and the compression spring releases its tension, throwing the cover into the open position. Other mechanisms include simple hinge designs without such a compression spring. These covers may require the user to unlock and fully open them.

[0003] Typically, wet wipes are stacked in a container in a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, a container for wet wipes may be used, in which each of the wet wipes stacked in the container is arranged in a folded configuration, such as a c-fold, z-fold, or quarter-fold configuration well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes each folded wet wipe is staggered with wet wipes directly above and below it in the stack. In alternative configurations, the wet wipes are placed in a container in the form of a continuous mesh of material, the container including perforations adapted to allow the individual wet wipes to separate from the mesh when tension is applied. Such wet wipes have been used as baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes, and so on.

[0004] Some standard packages are also designed to provide one-at-a-time dispensing of each wet wipe, which can be done with one hand after opening the package. This one-at-a-time dispensing is especially desirable because the user's or caregiver's other hand is often needed for other functions simultaneously.

[0005] The "pop-up" configuration of the wet wipes advantageously facilitates the aforementioned one-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing. In the "pop-up" configuration, since subsequent wipes are operatively contacted with the leading wipes, such as through staggered folds, adhesive bonding, or integral connections along weak lines, the wipes are pulled along the front end of the subsequent wipes in the package when removed from the dispenser. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the rear end of the leading wipe detaches from the front end of the subsequent wipe, and the front end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for gripping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

[0006] Further developments in this field represent a continued need to provide a more user-friendly dispensing experience, particularly for one-on-one and one-handed dispensing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent to the bottom, each side adjacent to an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent to a top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets are located within the pouch, the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being greater than the longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing hole located in the top, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the transverse direction, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge; and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the lateral dimension, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape.

[0008] In a second embodiment, a flexible pouch forming a closed body for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent to the bottom, each side adjacent to an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent to a top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is substantially parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets are located within the housing, the pouch has a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing hole located in the top, the dispensing hole having a hole width gauge extending in the transverse direction from a first side edge of the hole to a second side edge of the hole. The hole has a first side edge and a second side edge, each extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge having a convex shape, and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a rigid flap, the rigid flap including a cover hinged to a flange having an inner wall defining an internal region including an opening, the flange being fixed to the top such that the rigid flap covers the hole, wherein the hole is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flap being oriented on the flexible pouch such that the flap opens in the transverse direction.

[0009] In a third embodiment, a flexible pouch forming a closed body for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent to the bottom, each side adjacent to an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent to a top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is substantially parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets are located within the housing, the pouch has a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing hole located in the top, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the transverse direction, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, and the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole having a width dimension ... One of the following has a convex shape and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole having a convex shape; and a rigid flap, the rigid flap including a cover hinged to a flange having an inner wall defining an internal region including an opening, the flange being fixed to the top such that the rigid flap covers the hole, wherein the hole is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flap being oriented on the flexible pouch such that the cover opens in the transverse direction, wherein the inner wall of the flange includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge of the wall each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the second side edge of the wall is disposed near the second side edge of the hole. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1A A perspective view of one embodiment of a container and button cover according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the button cover is shown in a closed configuration;

[0011] Figure 1B Representative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 1A A perspective view showing the button cover in an open configuration, and also showing the opening of the container;

[0012] Figure 2 Representative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 1A A top plan view showing the button cover in an open configuration, and the opening of the container is also shown;

[0013] Figure 3A A perspective view of another embodiment of the container and alternative flap according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the flap is shown in a closed configuration;

[0014] Figure 3B Representative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 3A A perspective view showing the flap in an open configuration, and also showing the opening of the container;

[0015] Figure 4 Representative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 3A A top plan view showing the flap in an open configuration, and the opening of the container is also shown;

[0016] Figure 5 A top plan view of an exemplary hole of the present disclosure, shown individually according to various aspects of the present disclosure, is illustrated representatively.

[0017] Figure 6 Representatively shown are multiple integrally interconnected wipes according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 7 Representatively shown are multiple integrally interconnected wipes according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 8A Representative examples include, Figures 6 to 7 A front view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, for any one of the wipes shown;

[0020] Figure 8B Representative examples include, Figures 6 to 7 A top view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, any one of the wipes shown.

[0021] Figure 8C Representatively shown along Figure 8B The image shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wipe stack as seen by line XX-XX, where the wipe-to-wipe connection is on the alternating side of the stack.

[0022] Figure 8D Representatively shown along Figure 8B The image shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wipe stack as seen by line XX-XX, where the connections between wipes are all on the same side of the stack.

[0023] Figure 9 Representatively showing the containment along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the container with stacked wipes, as seen by line XX, shows various aspects of the wipe-to-wipe connection associated with the orifice; and

[0024] Figure 10 Representatively showing the containment along Figure 2The image shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a container with a stack of wipes, as seen by line XX, illustrating various aspects of the wipe stack associated with the container.

[0025] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure will be more fully understood when referenced to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and other features will become apparent. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The same components of the packaging shown in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0027] In certain embodiments, container 20 is adapted to store and dispense products, such as sheets from a stack or roll of wet wipes 22. Other examples of products suitable for use with container 20 include facial tissues, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, etc. Container 20 includes a housing 14. Housing 14 may be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown). Alternatively, housing 14 may be flexible, such as a flexible pouch 24, for storing stacks or rolls of wipes 22. Flexible pouch 24 may be made of any suitable flexible substrate, including polymer films, nonwoven fabrics, cloth, rubber, foil, etc. Housing 14 or flexible pouch 24 defines an interior space 26 and an outer surface 29 substantially opposite to the interior space 26. Housing 14 or pouch 24 defines a dispensing orifice 27 through which wipes 22 can be individually removed from the interior space 26. In certain embodiments, housing 14 or pouch 24 is substantially moisture-proof, such as when used to contain pre-wetted wipes.

[0028] The container also includes a rigid flap assembly 30. Assembly 30 includes a lid 50 connected to a flange 60 via a hinge 52. The lid 50 can rotate about the hinge 52 to form a closed configuration (e.g., as shown). Figure 1A As shown; or as shown Figure 3A (as shown in component 30') to the open position (e.g., as shown in component 30') Figure 1B As shown; or as shown Figure 3B (As shown for component 30'). A flange 60 is disposed on the outer surface 29 of the housing 14, such as by means of (e.g., via adhesive) securing it to the outer surface 29 of the pouch 24. Alternatively, the flange may be integrally formed with the housing 14.

[0029] When the cap is in the closed position, the cap 50 covers the dispensing hole 27, and when the cap 50 is in the open position, the cap 50 exposes the dispensing hole 27. The cap 50 may optionally include a cap moisture-retaining ridge 35. The flange member 60 may also optionally include a flange moisture-retaining ridge 65 adapted to seal against the cap moisture-retaining ridge 35 when the cap 50 is in the closed position, which helps to seal the internal space 26. This seal may be desirable in helping to prevent the wet wipe 22 from drying out over time.

[0030] Typically, component 30 may define an internal region 54 defined by the inner wall of flange 60. Internal region 54 may represent an opening through flange 60. The inner wall of flange 60 may, but does not need to, be defined by flange moisture-retaining ridge 65 in all embodiments. Internal region 54 of flange 60 may overlap with hole 27, such that hole 27 is disposed within internal region 54, and thus the inner wall of flange 60 may surround hole 27. In such a configuration, the entire rigid flip assembly 30 is disposed outside of dispensing hole 27 through which product can be removed from internal space 26. Rigid flip assembly 30 can be considered “disposed outside dispensing hole,” meaning component 30 is positioned above dispensing hole 27. In this way, with hole 27 and internal region 54 aligned, wipe 22 within housing 14 can be dispensed through hole 27 and internal region 54 of flange 60, and wipe 22 can be dispensed through housing 14 and cap assembly 30 (or 30').

[0031] In some implementations, component 30 provides an automatically opening "button-type" cover by pressing a button or similar feature, such as Figures 1A to 2 As shown in the diagram. This component 30 may include a spring or lever component (such as in Rolfs et al., entitled "Container having a push-button activated, pop-open lid," US20200260922A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) to provide energy for the automatic opening of the lid 50. In other embodiments, the lid assembly may be a conventional flip lid that requires user effort to open and rotate the lid 50 to the open position. Figures 3A to 4 This exemplary component 30' is depicted.

[0032] The housing 14 extends in the lateral direction 11 and the longitudinal direction 13. The housing includes a top 71 and a bottom 73, which are connected by sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b. Sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b all abut the bottom 73, with each side abutting the adjacent side. Sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b extend further away from the bottom 73 and all abut the top 71, which covers the bottom 73. In at least some embodiments, the top 71, bottom 73, and sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b can be integrally connected together. In particular, as shown in... Figure 1A , Figure 3A As seen, the pouch 24 is rectangular in a particular embodiment; however, it can be of various other shapes, as long as the bottom 73 is adjacent to at least one side (e.g., a cylinder). Advantageously, the top 71 can be generally parallel to the bottom 73, but this is not required in all embodiments.

[0033] The housing 14 has a lateral width dimension 72 extending between the lateral ends 79a and 79b, and a longitudinal dimension 74 extending between the sides 75a and 75b. The housing 14 also includes a longitudinal centerline 76 that divides the housing 14 into a left lateral side disposed between the left lateral end 79a and the longitudinal centerline 76, and a right lateral side disposed between the right lateral end 79b and the longitudinal centerline 76.

[0034] When the housing 14 is a flexible pouch 24, the housing 14 can be sealed at least at its lateral ends 79a, 79b to retain moisture, for example, when the product includes a wet wipe 22. According to some embodiments, this flexible pouch 24 may also include a laterally extending seal (not shown) that extends across the entire lateral width 72 of the flexible pouch 24. This seal is typical when the flexible pouch 24 is formed from a single continuous sheet of material.

[0035] As in Figure 2 , Figure 4 As most clearly shown, component 30 (or 30') can be aligned to open in the lateral direction 11, for example, toward one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79b. Therefore, hinge 52 can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the lateral direction 11. However, hinge 52 of component 30 (or 30') does not need to be precisely oriented in the lateral direction 11. For example, hinge 52 can be oriented such that the axis of rotation of cover 50 about which it rotates forms an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A , Figure 1BA top plan view of the housing 14, including a longitudinal centerline 76. In some embodiments, the flip-top assembly 30 may be oriented off-center relative to the longitudinal centerline 76. For example, the flip-top assembly 30 may be positioned closer to one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79b. Furthermore, the cover 50 may be configured to open toward the lateral side ends 79a, 79b, with the assembly 30 positioned closest to those lateral side ends. Figure 2 In the example, component 30 is positioned close to the first lateral side end 79a, and cover 50 is configured to open toward the first lateral side end 79a. This offset nature of component 30 can provide an advantage regarding the distribution of wipe 22 within housing 14.

[0037] It is possible that hole 27 is eccentrically oriented relative to the longitudinal centerline 76, such as... Figure 2 As seen in the embodiments. In at least some of these embodiments, component 30 may be centered relative to the longitudinal centerline 76, but hole 27 is off-center relative to the longitudinal centerline. In some of these embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole may be entirely located on one side of the longitudinal centerline 76. Although in other embodiments, a large portion of the periphery of the first side edge 81 of the hole may be located closer to one of the ends 79a, 79b, a portion of the first side edge 81 of the hole may intersect with the longitudinal centerline 76. In another embodiment, the longitudinal centerline 76 may extend precisely through the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole. The particularly preferred location of hole 27 will be described in more detail below.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a top plan view of the individual hole 27. According to various aspects of this disclosure, as described herein, the specific shape of hole 27 is an important factor in successful dispensing with a low failure rate. As used herein, successful dispensing may generally mean that, upon removal of the wipe from the dispenser, the wipe is pulled along the front end of the subsequent wipe in the package due to operative contact with the leading wipe, such as via staggered folding, adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a weak line. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the rear end of the leading wipe detaches from the front end of the subsequent wipe, and the front end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for gripping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

[0039] Historically, two types of malfunctions or failures may occur during the operation just described. In one scenario, when the leading wipe is removed, it may fail to properly release from subsequent wipes, resulting in the subsequent wipes being pulled too far or even detached from the package entirely. The situation where one or more subsequent wipes are removed from the package in a single pull operation through operative contact with the leading wipe is referred to herein as “doubling.” Doubling may result from an overly strong or geometrically ineffective connection between successive wipes (e.g., excessive adhesive or insufficient mesh perforation) or from a dispensing orifice that is insufficient to hold subsequent wipes in place to allow the leading wipe to detach (e.g., an oversized dispensing orifice).

[0040] In another scenario, subsequent wipes may not be readily available for subsequent dispensing after being detached from the leader wipe once it has been removed. For example, although the tip of the subsequent wipe may temporarily protrude from the packaging along with the leader wipe during removal, the tip of the subsequent wipe typically falls back into the dispensing container through the dispensing orifice—referred to herein as "fallback." Fallback may result from an insufficiently strong or geometrically ineffective connection between successive wipes (e.g., insufficient adhesive or an excessively weak thread), or from a dispensing orifice that is insufficient to retain the leading edge of the subsequent wipe by protruding outwards (e.g., an excessively large dispensing orifice). Occasionally, when the leader wipe is removed, such as when the connection between the leader wipe and the subsequent wipe is prematurely broken (i.e., before the leader wipe is fully removed), the subsequent wipe may not be able to leave the packaging at all.

[0041] As can be seen, hole 27 includes a first side edge 81 and a second side edge 83 extending between a top edge 82 and a bottom edge 84. The top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 may each be the point where the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 meet. The top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 may be located at the highest and lowest points of hole 27, respectively. That is, hole 27 may have a length dimension 85 extending in the longitudinal direction 13 and measured between points having the same longitudinal position as the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84. According to some embodiments, the length dimension 85 defines both the longest dimension in the longitudinal direction 13 and the maximum dimension of hole 27. For example, hole 27 may be taller (in the longitudinal direction 13) than its width (in the transverse direction 11). Hole 27 may also include a width dimension 87. In these embodiments, the width dimension 87 may be determined as the maximum dimension of hole 27 in the transverse direction 11. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the maximum lateral dimension of the hole 27 is located at the midpoint between the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole, for example, defined by the intermediate lateral axis 86.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the aperture 27, the length dimension 85 can be between 44 mm and 60 mm. A length between 44 mm and 60 mm is advantageous because it provides a sufficiently large opening in the longitudinal direction 13 through which a user can grasp the edge of a piece of product 22 with two fingers, the product typically oriented in the transverse direction 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 13. The width dimension 87 can preferably be between 20 mm and 40 mm, and more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. Similarly, this width dimension 87 provides a comfortable dispensing experience for the user by providing sufficient space for grasping the edge of a piece of product 22 disposed within the housing 14. This width dimension 87 is also important for providing the desired pop-up dispensing function with minimal failure, as will be described in more detail below.

[0043] Another important aspect of the hole 27 is the shape of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83. According to this disclosure, it has been found advantageous for at least one of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 to have a convex shape. For example, as... Figure 5 As seen, the first side edge 81 of the hole has an arcuate shape, wherein the first side edge 81 extends outward from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole. In another embodiment, the second side edge 83 of the hole may alternatively have a convex shape. Again in Figure 5 In the example, the second side edge 83 of the hole can be seen to have an arcuate shape, wherein the second side edge 83 extends outward from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole and extends away from the first side edge 81 of the hole. Of course, both the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 of the hole can have a convex shape, as in... Figure 5 In the example.

[0044] In at least some of these implementation schemes, such as in Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole may extend further away from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole than the second side edge 83. In this way, the first side edge 81 of the hole may have a greater overall curvature than the second side edge 83. As will be described in more detail, it may be desirable for the second side edge 83 of the hole to have a relatively flat shape. Therefore, in order to provide the desired width dimension 87 of the hole 27, in these embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole needs to have a greater curvature than the second side edge 83 of the hole.

[0045] By providing a convex shape in one or both of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83, the hole 27 (whose maximum dimension extends in the longitudinal direction 13) can achieve the aforementioned dimensions within the boundary of the interior region of the cover assembly (such as cover assembly 30). For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 12... Figure 2As seen, the cover assembly 30 provides a relatively narrow internal region 54. In fact, as can be seen, the internal region 54 is nearly identical in shape and size to the hole 27. Therefore, it may be more important in some embodiments that the first side edge 81 and / or the second side edge 83 of the hole do not have any concave portions to achieve the size of the hole 27, thereby making it comfortable for the user to grip the edge of a piece of product 22 through the hole 27.

[0046] It was also found that, in order to provide the desired pop-up distribution experience with minimal failures, the second side edge 83 of the hole should have a relatively flat shape, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Preferably, it has been found that the tangent line drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 of the hole should form an angle of less than 20 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. To illustrate this feature, in Figure 5 As can be seen, angle 91 forms an angle between the longitudinal direction 13 and the exemplary tangent 90. In a more preferred embodiment, it has been found that the tangent drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 of the hole should form an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13.

[0047] Another aspect of the shape of the hole 27 is that it may be most important that the central portion of the second side edge 83 of the hole has a relatively flat shape, while it may be less important that the portion of the second side edge 83 closest to the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole has a relatively flat shape. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is preferred that the tangent drawn to any point on the second side edge 83 within the central portion 93 forms an angle of less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the central portion 93 of the second side edge 83 may be a portion of the second side edge 83 of the hole, which is configured to be located in the longitudinal direction 13 at a distance greater than 5% of the hole length dimension 85 from the top edge 82 or the bottom edge 84. According to another aspect, the central portion 93 of the second side edge 83 of the hole may be a portion of the second side edge 83 of the hole, which is configured to be located in the longitudinal direction 13 at a distance greater than 10%, 15%, or 20% of the hole length dimension 85 from the top edge 82 or the bottom edge 84.

[0048] According to at least some embodiments of this disclosure, while a relatively flat shape of the second side edge 83 of the hole may be desirable, it is also possible that the second side edge 83 of the hole should not be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13. A hole 27 with such parallel side edges may be difficult to process in a repeatable manner. Therefore, in some contemplated embodiments of this disclosure, the tangent drawn to each point on the second side edge 83 of the hole may form an angle greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. In a more preferred embodiment, the tangent drawn to each point on the second side edge 83 of the hole may form an angle greater than 2 degrees, or greater than 4 degrees, or greater than or equal to 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. Although another embodiment of the second side edge 83 of the hole may have at least some portion or portions configured to be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13, this portion or these portions may typically be less than 10% or 5% of the perimeter of the second side edge 83 of the hole.

[0049] In the experiment determining the preferred orientation of hole 27, many different hole 27 orientations were tested for allocation failures. For example, in Figure 2 The hole was tested in the orientation shown, from Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, from Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 180 degrees clockwise, from Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 270 degrees clockwise. In each of these configurations, component 30 is also rotated by the same amount. It has been found that, as Figure 2 The specific orientation of the second side edge 83 of the hole shown achieves an average assignment failure rate of approximately 4.5%. Conversely, the same test yielded an average failure rate of 10.5% for holes 27 and component 30. Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 180 degrees clockwise. This experiment helps to understand the importance of the orientation of the second side edge 83 of the hole and its greater relative flatness compared to the first side edge 81 of the hole. This particular orientation will be described in more detail below.

[0050] Another important feature contributing to the successful assignment of hole 27 and flange 60 with a low failure rate is the position of the second side edge 83 of the hole and the inner wall of flange 60. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, distance 95 defines the minimum distance between the second side edge 83 of the hole and the inner wall of the flange 60. Distance 95 is measured at the midpoint of the hole in the longitudinal direction 13. Figure 2 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the inner wall of flange 60 is shown as being defined by a moisture-retaining ridge 65, but this is not necessary in all embodiments. For example, the moisture-retaining ridge 65 may be located on the outside of the inner wall of flange 60. In any case, for successful dispensing with a low failure rate, it is important that the distance 95 be small, such as less than 10 mm, less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm. This small value for the distance 95 ensures that the second side edge 83 of the aperture 27 is positioned close to the inner wall of flange 60, whereby the rigidity of flange 60 (at least in the case where housing 14 includes a flexible package) can help ensure consistent separation of the wipes within stack 22. For example, if the distance 95 is too large, the wipes dispensed from aperture 27 will cause the second side edge 83 to bend and flex more significantly, resulting in reduced forces on the connected wipes in the dispensed stack 22, and thus increasing the failure rate of "multiple" dispensing. Conversely, when the distance 95 is within the preferred range, the rigidity of the flange 60 near the second side edge 83 helps prevent the second side edge 83 of the hole from bending and deflecting, thereby generating a relatively increased force on the dispensed wipes to help ensure that the continuous wipes are separated when dispensed from the hole 27.

[0051] Turning to the details of product 22 inside housing 14, and this contributes to a successful dispensing experience, there are important aspects related to the sheet of product 22. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the exemplary multiple integrally interconnected sheet products 110 is depicted, which together define a network 112. Figures 8A to 8D An exemplary plurality of integrally interconnected sheet products 110 arranged in a stacked configuration 213 are depicted. About Figures 6 to 8D Multiple interconnected sheet products 110 may be wet wipes. However, it should be understood that this is merely one exemplary product 22 according to this disclosure.

[0052] refer to Figures 8A to 8D The present invention envisions a plurality of interconnected wipes 110 arranged in a stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack 213. The stack 213 has a right end 214, a left end 216, a lateral direction 222 extending between the right end 214 and the left end 216, a longitudinal direction 220 perpendicular to the lateral direction 222, and a longitudinal centerline 221 extending in the longitudinal direction 220 and located at an intermediate position between the right end 214 and the left end 216. The stack 213 laterally defines a right side 215 between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the right end 214, and a left side 217 between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the left end 216. Figures 8A to 8D In the exemplary embodiment shown, each wipe is folded in half along the longitudinal direction 220. Figure 8B Show Figure 8A A top view of the stack of folded wipes. Figure 8B The leading edge 229 of the wiping material can be seen on top of the stack 213.

[0053] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8C and Figure 8D As typically shown, in a particular embodiment, each wipe is connected via a connector (e.g., connectors 142, 152) to at least one other wipe on only one side of the stack 213, the right side 215 and the left side 217. Figure 8C and Figure 8D Depicting what was seen along the route XX-XX Figure 8B A cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the stack 213. In a particular embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8C In the embodiment shown, the closely continuous connecting portions 142 and 152 in the stacking direction 219 are alternately located on the right side 215 and left side 217 of the stack 213. In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8D In the embodiment shown, the closely continuous connecting portions 142a and 142b in the stacking direction 219 are located on the same side of the stack (e.g., as shown). Figure 8D On the right side (215) shown in the diagram. Figure 6 Depicting from Figure 8C The stacked, interconnected wipes shown are... Figure 7 Depicting from Figure 8D The diagram shows a stack of interconnected wipes, wherein the multiple interconnected wipes are unfolded and fully extended in each case to exhibit various features.

[0054] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8C In a particular embodiment, the plurality of wipes 110 include a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A right-side connecting portion 142 connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Furthermore, a left-side connecting portion 152 connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 located on the left side 217 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is connected to the third wipe 134 only on the left side 217 of the stack 213.

[0055] In another example, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8DIn a particular embodiment, the plurality of wipes 110 include a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A first right-side connector 142a connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Furthermore, a second right-side connector 142b connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is connected to the third wipe 134 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213.

[0056] Of course, it is not necessary for the connecting portions 142 and 152 to alternate on sides 215 and 217 or to always be aligned on the same side 215 and 217. For example, in another embodiment, most of the connecting portions 142 and 152 may be located on one side 215 and 217 of the stack 213. In a more specific embodiment, more than 60% of the connecting portions 142 and 152 in the stack 213 may be located on one side 215 and 217. In yet another embodiment, more than 75%, more than 85%, or more than 95% of the connecting portions 142 and 152 in the stack 213 may be located on one side 215 and 217, while still less than all of the connecting portions 142 and 152 may be located on the same side 215 and 217 of the stack 213. In any of these embodiments, the corresponding percentage of connecting portions 142 and 152 may be located on the left side 217 of the stack 213. Furthermore, in any of these embodiments, the connectors 142, 152 may follow a more complex pattern than simple alternation, or in another embodiment, there is no need to follow any prescribed pattern regarding how the connectors 142, 152 alternate between the sides 215, 217 of the stack 213.

[0057] In certain implementation schemes, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8C and Figure 8DIn the embodiments typically shown, most of the wipe-to-wipe connections in the wipe stack 213 are integrally formed with the wipes. For example, connections 142 and 152 may each include three bridging strips 192. Bridging strips 192a, 192b, and 192c together define the right connection 142, and bridging strips 192d, 192e, and 192f together define the left connection 152. The number of bridging strips may vary depending on the dispensing mechanism required by the specific configuration and the construction of the wipes involved (and, in a particular embodiment, the dispenser). In a particular embodiment, each connection 142, 152 includes 2 to 10, and more specifically 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in a particular embodiment, the lateral width of each bridging strip is 1 to 5 mm, and more preferably, the lateral width of each bridging strip is 1.5 to 3 mm. In other embodiments, the wipe-to-wipe connections in the stack are not integrally formed with the wipes. For example, the connections 142 and 152 can be achieved via energy bonding. Suitable examples of energy bonding include ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or pressure bonding. The bonding can also be achieved via bonding materials such as adhesives.

[0058] The stack has a width 113 measured in the lateral direction 222. The right-side connector 142 has an effective width 243 extending in the lateral direction 222, and the left-side connector 152 has an effective width 253 extending in the lateral direction 222. "Effective width" is the lateral distance between the two furthest connection points of closely continuous wiping materials within a single side 215, 217 of the stack 213. Therefore, in any case, the effective width of the connector cannot be greater than half the lateral width 113 of the stack. Preferably, the effective width of the connector is much smaller than half the lateral width of the stack. For example, in a particular embodiment, reference... Figure 7 The effective width 243 of the right connector and the effective width 253 of the left connector are each at most 10% of the stacked horizontal width 113. In another example, refer to... Figure 7 The effective width 243a of the first right-side connecting part and the effective width 243b of the second right-side connecting part are each at most 10% of the stacked lateral width 213.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the entirety of each right-side connector 142 in the stack 213 is closer to the right end 214 of the stack than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, and the entirety of each left-side connector 152 in the stack 213 is closer to the left end 216 of the stack than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 8CThis is illustrated representatively. In other embodiments, the entirety of each connection in stack 213 is closer to a single stack end than the distance to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack, such as, for example, the right end 214 of the stack. Figure 7 and Figure 8D This is representatively shown in [the text]. For example, in [the text]... Figures 6 to 8D It can be understood that each connecting part 142, 152 may include an inner edge of the connecting part, which is the edge of the connecting part 142, 152 (which may include multiple bridging strips) that is set closest to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213.

[0060] To achieve the optimal distribution experience with minimal failures, it has been found that specific features regarding the stack 213 of the wiping material, the housing 14, and the hole 27 should be combined. For example, Figure 9 Describes what was seen along the XX line Figure 2 or Figure 4 A cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the housing 14 including the stack 213 is shown, further detailing the generally preferred position of the hole 27 relative to the stack 213 and the specific position of the second side edge 83 of the hole 27 relative to the connection 142 of the stack 213. Although in Figure 9 Only the connecting part 142 is depicted, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include both the connecting part 142 and the connecting part 152.

[0061] It has been found that, in order to achieve the optimal dispensing experience, the connecting portions 142 and / or 152 should be primarily disposed within the stack 213, having a distance 245 from the hole 27 set closest to the edge of the connecting portions 142, 152. More specifically, it has been found that ensuring according to the... Figure 9 The specific connection part allocation distance 245, defined by the inner edge of the connection part indicated by position 244 and the edge of the hole 27 indicated by position 242, being closest to the connection parts 142, 152, helps to ensure the optimal allocation experience.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the connection portion mating distance 245 should be greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm, or greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 45 mm. Of course, it is not necessary for every single connection portion 142, 152 to fall within these specified connection portion mating distances 245. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is preferred that greater than 60%, or greater than 75%, or greater than 90% of the connection portions 142, 152 are located within the aforementioned specified connection portion mating distances 245. In a more specific embodiment, it has been found that it is most preferred that the connection portions 142, 152 have the aforementioned connection portion mating distance 245 between the connection portions 142, 152, wherein the second side edge 83 of the hole 27 has a relatively flat shape as described herein. For example, as previously stated, experiments have shown that compared to the case where the hole is rotated such that the first side edge 81 of the hole is positioned closest to the connection portion 142, the hole 27 and assembly 30 are in a more suitable position. Figure 2 The failure rate is low when the orientation shown is such that the second side edge 83 of the hole has a relatively flat shape, and the distribution distance is within the range described above.

[0063] To ensure that the connection parting distance 245 is maintained during use, the dimensions of the hole 27, the stack 213 and the housing 14 can be configured together in a preferred manner. Figure 10 Describes what was seen along the XX line Figure 2 or Figure 4 A cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the stack 213 of product 22 shows the dimensions of the stack 213 relative to the housing 14.

[0064] For example, it has been found that the dispensing experience achieves optimal performance when the connection distance 245 is greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. To ensure that this connection distance 245 is maintained, the hole width dimension 87 should be greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 15 mm smaller than the lateral width of the stacked area of ​​the housing 14 defined by distance 257. In another embodiment, the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 10 mm smaller than the lateral width 257 of the stacked area. According to another embodiment, the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be greater than or equal to 5 mm smaller than the lateral width 257 of the stacked area to allow for the manufacture and processing of the stack 213 and the housing 14.

[0065] The stacking area of ​​housing 14 is the portion of housing 14 where stack 213 of housing 14 is located and the portion of housing 14 where stack 213 of housing 14 can move within housing 14. For example, housing 14 may define an internal space larger than stack 213. However, portions of housing 14 may narrow near the lateral ends (e.g., along sides 77a, 77b to lateral ends 79a, 79b). If stack 213 slides within housing 14 in the lateral direction 222, stack 213 will encounter the narrowed portion of housing 14 near the lateral ends 79a, 79b and be prevented from moving further in the lateral direction 222. If the “slack” between the lateral width of stack 213 and the lateral width 257 of stacking area of ​​housing 14 is too large, for example greater than 10 mm, stack 213 may move such that the connection parting distance 245 falls outside the desired range. This distance 257 can be determined for stack 213 that does not have any product 22 dispensed / separated from stack 213.

[0066] Materials suitable for use with the wipes of this invention are well known to those skilled in the art. Wipes (such as pre-wetted wipes) may be made of, for example, meltblown materials, co-formed materials, air-laid materials, bonded combed materials, or hydroentangled materials, high wet strength fabrics, or combinations thereof (such as layered combinations thereof). The wipes may include synthetic or natural fibers, or combinations thereof. Wipes suitable for use in conjunction with this invention may contain a liquid (which may be any solution capable of being absorbed into the wipe), thus making it a “wet wipe.” The liquid contained in the wet wipe may include any suitable component that provides the desired wiping performance. For example, the component may include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid may also contain lotions, ointments, and / or pharmaceuticals. The amount of liquid contained in each wet wipe may vary depending on the type of material used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid used, the type of container used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe. Generally, based on the dry weight of the wipe, each wet wipe may contain about 150 to about 600% by weight and preferably about 200 to about 400% by weight of liquid to improve wiping. Examples of wipe substrates suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention include US5,508,102 A, US7,585,797 B2 and US8,257,553 B2.

[0067] All relevant portions of the documents referenced in the specific implementation are incorporated herein by reference; no reference to any document should be construed as an admission that it is prior art concerning the invention. In the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this written document and any meaning or definition of a term in the documents incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall prevail.

[0068] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

[0069] Implementation Plan :

[0070] Implementation Scheme 1: A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent to the bottom, each side adjacent to an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent to a top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is substantially parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets are located within the pouch, the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being greater than the longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing hole located in the top, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the transverse direction, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge; and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the lateral dimension, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape.

[0071] Implementation Scheme 2: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the first side edge of the hole includes a hole side edge extending furthest from the line extending through the length dimension of the hole, and wherein the first side edge of the hole has a convex shape.

[0072] Implementation Scheme 3: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 and 2, wherein the first side edge of the hole includes a hole side edge extending furthest from the line extending through the length dimension of the hole, and wherein the second side edge of the hole has a convex shape.

[0073] Implementation Scheme 4: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 3, wherein both the second side edge of the hole and the first side edge of the hole have a convex shape.

[0074] Implementation Scheme 5: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 4, wherein neither the second side edge of the hole nor any portion of the first side edge of the hole has a concave shape.

[0075] Implementation Scheme 6: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0076] Implementation Scheme 7: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction more than 20% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0077] Implementation Scheme 8: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0078] Implementation Scheme 9: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 8, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the first side edge of the hole at a point in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0079] Implementation Scheme 10: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 9, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the first side edge of the hole at a point in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0080] Implementation Scheme 11: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 10, wherein more than 90% of the periphery of the second side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0081] Implementation Scheme 12: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 11, wherein more than 90% of the periphery of the second side edge of the hole forms an angle of more than 2 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0082] Implementation Scheme 13: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of product sheets are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a stacked lateral right end and a stacked lateral left end and a stacked longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and located at an intermediate position between the lateral right end and the stacked lateral left end, the stack further defining a stacked right side between the stacked longitudinal center line and the stacked lateral right end and a stacked left side between the stacked longitudinal center line and the stacked lateral left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connecting portion, and wherein most of the connecting portions connecting the continuous wipes are entirely located on only one of the stacked right side and the stacked left side.

[0083] Implementation Scheme 14: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 13, wherein a large portion of the connection of the continuous wiping material is fully connected on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack, and is located on the right side of the stack.

[0084] Implementation Scheme 15: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 and 14, wherein at least 80% of the connection portion of the continuous wiping material is fully connected on the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack, respectively, is provided on the right side of the stack.

[0085] Implementation Scheme 16: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 15, wherein each connection portion of the continuous wiping material is provided on the right side of the stack, on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack.

[0086] Implementation Scheme 17: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 16, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right side of the stack than the first side edge of the hole.

[0087] Implementation Scheme 18: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 17, the flexible pouch further comprising a rigid flap assembly, the rigid flap assembly comprising a cap hinged to a flange fixed to the top of the pouch and having an inner wall defining an inner region through which wiping material can be dispensed, the dispensing hole being disposed in the inner region of the flange.

[0088] Implementation Scheme 19: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 18, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

[0089] Implementation Scheme 20: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 18, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

[0090] Implementation Scheme 21: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 18, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

[0091] Implementation Scheme 22: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 21, wherein the dispensing opening is defined by the absence of material at the top of the pouch or by the periphery of a removable portion of the top of the housing.

[0092] Implementation Scheme 23: A flexible pouch forming a closed body for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent to the bottom, each side adjacent to an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent to a top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is substantially parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets are located within the housing, the pouch has a pouch lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch lateral dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing hole located in the top, the dispensing hole having a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge of the hole to a second side edge of the hole in the transverse direction. The first side edge and the second side edge of the hole each extend from the top edge of the hole to the bottom edge of the hole, and at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole has a convex shape, and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a rigid flap, the rigid flap including a cover hinged to a flange having an inner wall defining an internal region including an opening, the flange being fixed to the top such that the rigid flap covers the hole, wherein the hole is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flap being oriented on the flexible pouch such that the cover opens in the transverse direction.

[0093] Implementation Scheme 24: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the rigid flap is centered relative to the longitudinal centerline of the flexible pouch, and wherein the hole is offset relative to the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

[0094] Implementation Scheme 25: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 and 24, wherein the first side edge of the hole does not intersect the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

[0095] Implementation Scheme 26: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 25, wherein the inner wall of the flange includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the second side edge is disposed close to the second side edge of the hole, and wherein the middle 25% of the second side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0096] Implementation Scheme 27: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 26, wherein the inner wall of the flange includes a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, and the second side edge is disposed near the second side edge of the hole, wherein the middle 50% of the second side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0097] Implementation Scheme 28: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 27, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

[0098] Implementation Scheme 29: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 27, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

[0099] Implementation Scheme 30: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 27, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

[0100] Implementation Scheme 31: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 30, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0101] Implementation Scheme 32: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 30, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction more than 20% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0102] Implementation Scheme 33: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 30, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0103] Implementation Scheme 34: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 30, wherein the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole at any point in the longitudinal direction more than 20% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0104] Implementation Scheme 35: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 34, wherein the pouch includes a first transverse end and a second transverse end, wherein a longitudinal centerline of the pouch extends in the longitudinal direction and is located at an intermediate position between the first transverse end and the second transverse end, and wherein no portion of the second side edge of the hole is configured to be closer to the second transverse end than the second side edge of the wall.

[0105] Implementation Scheme 36: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 35, wherein the pouch includes a first transverse end and a second transverse end, wherein a longitudinal centerline of the pouch extends in the longitudinal direction and is positioned at an intermediate position between the first transverse end and the second transverse end, and wherein a rigid flap is fixed to the top such that the rigid flap is positioned closer to the first transverse end of the pouch.

[0106] Implementation Scheme 37: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 36, wherein the plurality of product sheets are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a stacked left lateral end near a first lateral end of the pouch and a stacked right lateral end near a second lateral end of the pouch, and a stacked longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located at an intermediate position between the stacked right lateral end and the stacked left lateral end, the stack further defining a stacked right side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked right lateral end and a stacked left side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked left lateral end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connector, and wherein most of the connectors connecting the continuous wipes are located entirely on only one of the stacked right side and the stacked left side.

[0107] Implementation Scheme 38: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 37, wherein a large portion of the connection of the continuous wiping material is fully connected on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack, and is located on the right side of the stack.

[0108] Implementation Scheme 39: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 37, wherein at least 80% of the connection portion of the continuous wiping material is fully connected on the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack.

[0109] Implementation Scheme 40: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 37, wherein each bulk connection of the continuous wiping material is provided on the right side of the stack, on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack.

[0110] Implementation Scheme 41: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 37 and 38, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right side of the stack than the first side edge of the hole.

[0111] Implementation Scheme 42: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 37 to 41, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right lateral end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole positioned closest to the right lateral end of the stack is positioned between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connecting portion positioned on the right side of the stack.

[0112] Implementation Scheme 43: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 23 to 42, wherein the pouch includes a first transverse end and a second transverse end, wherein a longitudinal centerline of the pouch extends in the longitudinal direction and is located at an intermediate position between the first transverse end and the second transverse end, and wherein at least a portion of the second side edge of the hole extends between the longitudinal centerline of the pouch and the first transverse end.

Claims

1. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing multiple product sheets, the pouch comprising: The bottom has a side adjacent to the bottom, and each side is adjacent to the next side, and the side extends away from the bottom, and the side is also adjacent to the top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, and the plurality of product sheets are located inside the pouch; The pouch has a lateral dimension extending in the transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lateral dimension of the pouch is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the pouch. as well as A dispensing hole, located in the top, has the following characteristics: The hole width dimension extending from the first side edge to the second side edge in the transverse direction, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole each extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the hole; as well as The hole length dimension extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole. At least one of the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole has a convex shape. Wherein, at any point on the second side edge of the hole, in the longitudinal direction, more than 10% of the length of the hole, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the first side edge of the hole includes a hole side edge extending furthest from a line extending through the length dimension of the hole, and wherein the first side edge of the hole has a convex shape.

3. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein neither the second side edge of the hole nor any portion of the first side edge of the hole has a concave shape.

4. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the first side edge of the hole, located at a point in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the hole length dimension away from the top edge or bottom edge of the hole, forms an angle greater than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

5. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein more than 90% of the periphery of the second side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of product sheets are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end of the stack and a longitudinal center line of the stack, the longitudinal center line of the stack extending in the longitudinal direction and located at an intermediate position between the lateral right end and the lateral left end of the stack, the stack further defining a right side of the stack between the longitudinal center line of the stack and the lateral right end of the stack and a left side of the stack between the longitudinal center line of the stack and the lateral left end of the stack, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connecting portion, and wherein most of the connecting portions connecting the continuous wipes are entirely located on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack.

7. The flexible pouch of claim 6, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right side of the stack than the first side edge of the hole.

8. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a rigid flap assembly including a cap hinged to a flange fixed to the top of the pouch and having an inner wall defining an interior region through which wiping material can be dispensed, the dispensing hole being disposed within the interior region of the flange.

9. The flexible pouch of claim 8, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

10. A flexible pouch forming a closed body for storing and dispensing multiple product sheets, the pouch comprising: The bottom has sides adjacent to the bottom, and each side is adjacent to the next side, and the sides extend away from the bottom, and the sides are also adjacent to the top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, and the plurality of product sheets are located within the housing; The pouch has a lateral dimension extending in the transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lateral dimension of the pouch is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the pouch. A dispensing hole, located in the top, has the following characteristics: The hole width dimension extending from the first side edge to the second side edge in the transverse direction, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the hole, and at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape, and The hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining the maximum dimension of the dispensing hole; Wherein, at any point on the second side edge of the hole that is more than 10% of the length of the hole away from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole in the longitudinal direction, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction; as well as A rigid flap includes a cap hinged to a flange having an inner wall defining an internal region including an opening, the flange being secured to the top such that the rigid flap covers the opening, wherein the opening is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flap is oriented onto the flexible pouch such that the cap opens in the lateral direction. The inner wall of the flange includes a first side edge and a second side edge, each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the second side edge is located close to the second side edge of the hole.

11. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the rigid flap is centered relative to the longitudinal centerline of the flexible pouch, and wherein the hole is offset relative to the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

12. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the first side edge of the hole does not intersect the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

13. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the middle 25% of the second side edge of the wall between the top edge and the bottom edge of the wall is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

14. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

15. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the pouch comprises a first lateral end and a second lateral end, wherein a longitudinal centerline of the pouch extends in the longitudinal direction and is positioned at an intermediate position between the first lateral end and the second lateral end, and wherein, No part of the second side edge of the hole is configured to be closer to the second lateral end than the second side edge of the wall.

16. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the plurality of product sheets are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a stacked left lateral end near a first lateral end of the pouch and a stacked right lateral end near a second lateral end of the pouch, and a stacked longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located at an intermediate position between the stacked right lateral end and the stacked left lateral end, the stack further defining a stacked right side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked right lateral end and a stacked left side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked left lateral end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connector, and wherein most of the connectors connecting the continuous wipes are located entirely on only one of the stacked right side and the stacked left side.

17. The flexible pouch of claim 16, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right side of the stack than the first side edge of the hole.

18. The flexible pouch of claim 16, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right lateral end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole positioned closest to the right lateral end of the stack is positioned between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connecting portion positioned on the right side of the stack.

19. A flexible pouch forming a closed body for storing and dispensing multiple product sheets, the pouch comprising: The bottom has sides adjacent to the bottom, and each side is adjacent to the next side, and the sides extend away from the bottom, and the sides are also adjacent to the top, wherein the top covers the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, and the plurality of product sheets are located within the housing; The pouch has a lateral dimension extending in the transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lateral dimension of the pouch is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the pouch. A dispensing hole, located in the top, has the following characteristics: The hole width dimension extending from the first side edge to the second side edge in the transverse direction, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the hole, and at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape, and The hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, each of the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole having a convex shape; Wherein, at any point on the second side edge of the hole that is more than 10% of the length of the hole away from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole in the longitudinal direction, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction; as well as A rigid flap includes a cap hinged to a flange having an inner wall defining an internal region including an opening, the flange being secured to the top such that the rigid flap covers the opening, wherein the opening is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flap is oriented onto the flexible pouch such that the cap opens in the lateral direction. The inner wall of the flange includes a first side edge and a second side edge, each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the second side edge is located close to the second side edge of the hole.

20. The flexible pouch of claim 19, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the second side edge of the wall in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

21. The flexible pouch of claim 20, wherein the plurality of product sheets are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a stacked left lateral end near a first lateral end of the pouch and a stacked right lateral end near a second lateral end of the pouch, and a stacked longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located at an intermediate position between the stacked right lateral end and the stacked left lateral end, the stack further defining a stacked right side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked right lateral end and a stacked left side between the stacked longitudinal centerline and the stacked left lateral end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connector, and wherein most of the connectors connecting the continuous wipes are located entirely on only one of the stacked right side and the stacked left side, and wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the stacked right side than the first side edge of the hole.

22. The flexible pouch of claim 19, wherein the middle 25% of the second side edge of the wall between the top edge and the bottom edge of the wall is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

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